PR degrees shunned by consultancy sector

Those with public relations (PR) degrees looking for graduate jobs in the industry may find that companies consider them less employable than those with other qualifications, according to a survey.

Released by the Public Relations Consultancy Association (PRCA), the report showed that consultancy companies were less enthusiastic about PR degrees than qualifications in a different subject.

Thirty-four per cent said that a PR degree makes graduates less attractive in terms of employability, with only 23 per cent saying it would make a candidate more attractive.

Francis Ingham, director general of the PRCA, said: "PR leaders increasingly see our profession as a graduate-led one," adding "there is clearly concern that some of the courses out there do not equip graduates with the necessary skills to do their jobs".

The Trades Union Congress has recently urged employers to train graduate workers and to retain skills investment during the recession.